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Adult Literacy Resource Center

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

The DC Public Library offers adult literacy services through the Adult Literacy Resource Center (ALRC). ALRC plans, coordinates and administers the adult literacy services of the library. The ALRC provides literacy services to young adults (16 years +) and adults and is staffed with adult literacy education specialists.

We have instructional, informational and leisure reading materials for adult developing readers and speakers of other languages.

We also provide resource materials for teachers and tutors of literacy, ABE, GED and English as a Second Language (ESL).

You can receive services at the main center located in room 300 of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, or at six support centers at designated neighborhood libraries.

Services at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Find a Literacy Program

The Literacy Helpline provides information about available adult literacy education and English as a Second Language programs, and referrals to these programs for walk-in and telephone customers.

You can call: 202-727-2431, or view the directory online.

Take the GED Practice Test

The practice test is free and takes approximately 4½ hours. It is given every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in room 300 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library at 9:30 a.m. Evening testing is offered on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. To practice the GED online, click here.

GED Practice Tests are administered by appointment at the Southwest Library. Call 202-727-1616 or 202-727-6976 for an appointment.

Reserve Tutoring Space

The ALRC provides space at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for one-to-one tutors affiliated with D.C. adult literacy programs. Call 202-727-1616 for information and to reserve space.

Speak English

Practice your English skills in English Conversation Circles. Call 202-727-1616 for times and places.

Attend Teacher Training Workshops

The ALRC provides teacher training workshops in conjunction with DC LEARNs' Adult Education Professional Development Center.

Study Online

Schedule a Library Orientation

The ALRC conducts orientations to the books and other library materials and the services of the library for groups and classes of adult learners. To schedule an orientation, instructors should call 202-727-1616 or e-mail Ben Merrion.

Get a Proctor

Distance learners can arrange for test proctoring by calling 202-727-1616. Read our proctoring policy.

Discuss Books

A Feel for Books is an ongoing book discussion series for adult developing readers and their tutors and teachers. Sessions are held in Room 302 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Sessions are open to any adult learner in the District and are held in October, December, February, April and May/June. Please call 202-727-1616 for more information.

Additional ALRC Locations

Every neighborhood library has a core collection of Adult Basic Education and GED study materials (reading, math, writing and grammar).

Six neighborhood libraries have designated Adult Learning Resource Centers:

These libraries have Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED and/or English as a Second Language (ESL) materials.

Specially trained staff (Adult Learning Liaisons) at these six libraries can help customers in need of materials; referrals to adult basic education, GED and ESL programs; and information about various adult literacy services in D.C.

Materials for English language learning can be found at these libraries:

Space for tutoring and/or tutor and teacher training can be provided by some libraries. Contact the specific library you want to use to inquire about reserving space.

Libraries also provide the D.C. Adult Education Directory, which gives information about basic literacy skills, high school diplomas, EDP (external diploma program), GED and ESL programs.

Library card registration for adults and children is provided. Public access computers are also available.


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